Risky Business

Is it possible that Terrell Owens is not on a list of players who are a distraction to their team? Owens' time in Dallas has been relatively quiet off the field…at least relatively speaking. It is still the wide receivers who tend to make these lists, but Owens has been passing down his off-field antics to a group of younger receivers. Chad Johnson is still the riskiest player of them all, but players like Brandon Marshall and Steve Smith are likely to miss some games due to their off-field behavior.

RB Cedric Benson, CIN (RB - #13)

There are not many situations in which Cedric Benson will be drafted in fantasy leagues. The former Bear was released after multiple off-field issues -- the latest being allegations of operating a boat while intoxicated and resisting arrest. The former fourth overall pick by Chicago never really found his groove with the Bears, but showed moments of potential late last season before going down with an ankle injury. If he ends up in a good situation soon, Benson could be in the mix for some carries. For the time being, his off-field problems have thwarted any hope that Benson will be a viable fantasy option any time soon.

RB Darren McFadden, OAK (RB - #21)

In many situations there are stories about rookies that are often overblown or completely unfounded. That is what happens these days when teams look deep into the lives of their rookies (and with millions of dollars at stake, it is understandable). Heading into the NFL Draft, Darren McFadden had a lot of questions to answer. Apparently the Raiders liked what they heard. Yet, the fourth overall pick in the 2008 Draft still has to prove himself on and off the field before he should be considered a top fantasy running back. There have been at least two altercations in Little Rock since 2006. If the issues continue, it could quickly turn into a big problem for McFadden.

WR Chris Henry, CIN

Four months ago Chris Henry was released by Cincinnati following a long line of off-field incidents. Once a misdemeanor charge was dismissed, Henry found his way back onto the team. It was probably the injury concerns regarding the Bengals' top two receivers (Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh) which played a more important role in getting Henry back into a Bengals uniform. The problem is that Henry is more expendable than his more talented, more troublesome mates. But Henry is also a high reward fantasy player. If he stays out of trouble and injuries get the best of Johnson or Houshmandzadeh, Henry could be in for a huge year. But if his off-field issues remain, he could be unemployed very soon.

WR Brandon Marshall, MIA (WR - #7)

The Brandon Marshall saga has gone on most of the summer and will continue into the regular season. After three arrests starting in March 2007, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called Marshall into his office. Eventually, that led to a three game suspension (which Marshall is planning to appeal). Thus far, the off-field incidents have yet to affect the wide receiver's play on the field, but it certainly will if his three game suspension holds. How much of a distraction Marshall will be during the season remains to be seen. Yet, unlike many other players of his position on this list, Marshall seems to have the support of his teammates. Without taking the possible three game suspension into account, he should still be a solid second wide receiver in most fantasy leagues.

WR Chad Ochocinco, CIN (WR - #14)

The drama has subdued a bit around Chad Johnson. But that is not saying too much. After spending virtually the entire off-season trying to get traded, Johnson is still in Cincinnati. Now, after some words from Ray Lewis, Johnson claims he is not looking for a new contract. Even if that is true, Johnson's antics must send rifts through the Bengals locker room. It is never a good thing when anybody wants to leave a team since he claims that they cannot win there. Having somebody be so vocal and public about it makes things worse. In the end, it is nothing new and Johnson will still put up solid numbers for any fantasy owner. His ankle injury is a bigger bother than any on-field and off-field behavior, at least as far as this season is concerned. Johnson will be Johnson and it will not be any different than it was last year or the year before that.